Mental Health Service & Population Research provides rigorous training in core scientific principles and methods that are the foundation of mental health and population-based research. Offers opportunities to specialise in particular methodologies. Develops skills needed to carry out independent, high quality research. Excellent preparation for PhD or Clinical Psychology training. Departmental scholarships available.
KEY BENEFITS
- Foundation modules in principles of psychiatric research and analytic methods for psychiatric epidemiology and Mental Health Service & Population Research: theory to practice, followed by the opportunity to specialise in particular disciplines, including: qualitative methods, systematic review, social psychiatry, economic evaluation, advanced statistical methods.
- Teaching and supervision delivered by world leaders in mental health research and policy, based in the Health Service and Population Research Department, led by Professor Graham Thornicroft.
- Welcomes applications from clinicians, social science and psychology graduates wanting to learn how to carry out rigorous high quality research in real-world settings.
KEY FACTS
Student destinations
Our students come from a wide variety of health, social care and academic backgrounds, creating a diverse and stimulating learning environment. Alumni pursue careers as senior clinicians and service managers, academic researchers and policy makers. Alumni of the programme work as researchers in renowned universities such as University College London, the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London, or as advisors and researchers in clinical and policy settings including leading NGOs and the World Health Organisation. Many of our students pursue Doctoral Research or Clinical Psychology training in London universities including the Institute of Psychiatry itself.
Programme leader/s
Dr Rosie Mayston
Awarding Institution
King's College London
Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent)
UK 180/ECTS 90
Duration
One year FT, two years PT, September to September.
Location
Denmark Hill Campus.
Year of entry 2013
Offered by
Institute of Psychiatry
Health Service & Population Research Department
Closing date
None, but early application is advised.
Intake
15 FT.
Fees
PT Home: £3950 (2013)
PT Overseas: £11000 (2013)
FT Home: £7900 (2013)
FT Overseas: £22000 (2013)
CONTACTS
Contact information
Rosie Mayston, Programme Leader, +44(0)20 7848 5083
Email
Website
PURPOSE
The course is ideally suited for psychology and social science graduates, clinicians interested in mental health research, and those preparing for Clinical Psychology or PhD training. Our students are often interested in working in both high and low resource settings. We aim to train future leaders in mental health. The rigorous training in research methods will suit UK, EU and international students wishing to prepare for a career in research, policy making or those wishing to combine clinical activities with research.
DESCRIPTION
The programme allows students to tailor the content of the MSc to meet their individual interests and needs. To achieve this, students undergo core training in study design and analytic methods for epidemiological and population-based research and then select specialised study options from a range of elective modules: systematic review, qualitative methods, advanced statistical methods, economic evaluation, mental health service research: theory to practice, global mental health, measurement in mental health, social psychiatry.
Whilst studying within the Health Service & Population Research Department, students are supported to identify their own research interests and encouraged to develop dissertation projects under the supervision of Department staff. There may be opportunities for additional voluntary research activities. The Anthony Mann Prize will be awarded to the most promising dissertation.
STRUCTURE OVERVIEW
Core programme content
Required modules:- Mental Health Services Research: Theory to Practice;
- Principles of Psychiatric Research and Psychiatric Epidemiology;
- Statistics for Epidemiology and Population Health.
Indicative non-core content
Optional modules:- Measurement in Mental Health;
- Mental Health Economic Evaluation;
- Qualitative Research Methods;
- Social Psychiatry;
- Advanced Statistical Methods in Psychiatric Epidemiology;
- Systematic Reviews in Mental Health.
FORMAT AND ASSESSMENT
A combination of lectures, group tutorials and discussions, classroom and computer-based practicals, student presentations and practical workshops. Assessment includes formative exercises, coursework assignments, unseen examinations and a dissertation project.
MODULES
More information on typical programme modules.
NB it cannot be guaranteed that all modules are offered in any particular academic year.
Module code: 7PALMHSR
Credit level: 7
The educational aims of this module are to provide students with an in-depth knowledge and extended skills in mental health services research interventions, using the Medical Research Council Framework for Complex Health Interventions.
By the end of the module the student will be able to:
1. Understand the theoretical framework for undertaking mental health services research
2. Formulate a research question
3. Use electronic databases to identify relevant evidence
4. Define a 'model'
5. Develop testable models of complex interventions
6. Identify methods of investigating health service interventions
7. Develop a protocol for an exploratory trial
8. Differentiate between an exploratory trial and a definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT)
9. Develop a protocol for a definitive RCT
10. Describe the key components of an evidence-based approach to dissemination
11. Develop an evidence-based strategy for dissemination
Assessment is by a 2500-word essay, which accounts for 100% of the final grade for this module.
Module code: 7PAYR105
Credit level: 7
The educational aims of this module are to equip the student with an in depth understanding of, and ability to perform, complex statistical techniques (such as multivariate analyses, linear and logistic regression, Cox regression) and to develop an appreciation of the appropriate circumstances under which to apply these techniques.
By the end of the module the student will understand: the conceptual basis for multivariate analysis in epidemiological research, in particular concepts relating to causal pathways, confounding, mediation and effect modification; and be able to apply the following procedures in the analysis of epidemiological date: linear regression, ANOVA and generalised linear modelling; logistic regression; Cox proportional hazards modelling; the uses and conceptual basis for multi-level modelling and the techniques and packages available.
Assessment is by a 2500-word essay, which accounts for 50% of the final grade for this module.
Module code: 7PAGRMMH
Credit level: 7
The educational aims of this module are to provide the student with an in-depth understanding of the history, principles and practice of measurement methodology in mental health research.
By the end of the module the student will:
1. understand in detail the historical development and current status of the concept of a case in mental health research, and how it is operationalised through internationally standardised diagnostic criteria and structured clinical assessments.
2. have an advanced understanding of what is meant by validity and reliability, and be able to (a) assess the psychometric credentials of a measure for use in a particular context and (b) devise suitable methods for establishing validity and reliability of a measure
3. be able to independently devise the structure a simple questionnaire
4. develop a detailed understanding of classical and IRT scaling theory, and be familiar with the essentials of developing and validating a new scale.
Assessment is by a 2500-word essay, which accounts for 100% of the final grade for this module.
Module code: 7PALMQVA
Credit level: 7
The educational aims of this module are to provide students with an in depth understanding of qualitative research and skills needed to design, conduct and analyse qualitative research in the mental health field. The approach will be pragmatic, drawing on research studies conducted by the course tutors.
By the end of the module the student will be able to understand and apply:
1. the complementary roles of qualitative and quantitative methods of enquiry
2. the strengths of the qualitative approach to understanding beliefs and behaviours from the subjects' perspective
3. the main qualitative methods of data collection applicable to mental health services research
4. how to apply these methods to developing and evaluating mental health services
5. methods of qualitative data analysis, including practical use of computer software
6. dissemination of findings
7. critical appraisal of qualitative research
Assessment is by a 2500-word essay, which account for 100% of the final grade for this module.
Module code: 7PALMSYS
Credit level: 7
This module provides students with an advanced understanding and practical knowledge of systematic reviews, and the problems and limitations associated with this type of research method. The course will focus on systematic review procedures for intervention studies, particularly RCTs, although reviews of other types of study design will be discussed.
By the end of the module the student will be able to: understand the reasons for doing a systematic review; formulate questions appropriate for systematic reviews; develop a protocol for a systematic review; design and undertake comprehensive searches for relevant studies; critically appraise studies for inclusion in a systematic review; understand the potential impact of strengths and weaknesses of studies in a systematic review; understand how data can be used in meta-analyses; understand the role and work of the Cochrane Collaboration; produce a publication standard protocol for a systematic review; prepare a full systematic review.
Assessment is by a 2,500-word essay, which accounts for 100% of the final grade for this module.
ACADEMIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
General entry advice
A 2:1 degree or overseas equivalent in an appropriate subject (psychology, social science or health science); or a registerable qualification appropriate to the programme in medicine or overseas equivalent; or a professional mental health qualification.
APPLYING TO KING'S
To apply for graduate study at King's you will need to complete our graduate online application form. Applying online makes applying easier and quicker for you, and means we can receive your application faster and more securely.
King's does not normally accept paper copies of the graduate application form as applications must be made online. However, if you are unable to access the online graduate application form, please contact the relevant admissions/School Office at King's for advice.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Selection is made on the basis of application and references.
PERSONAL STATEMENT & SUPPORTING INFORMATION
Please ensure you pay careful attention to the content of your personal statement. We do not normally invite applicants for interview and so the clarity and relevance of the information you provide in your personal statement is of considerable importance to us. In particular, we would like you to describe your academic background and any relevant clinical or research interests, your reasons for applying to our particular postgraduate programme and what you hope to gain from the training we offer, and how you intend to use the knowledge and skills you acquire to further your clinical or research ambitions.
So that we can assess your ability to write in formal academic English, please submit a sample of your written work, which may take the form of an academic essay, a paper submitted for publication, a systematic review of the literature, or a chapter from a dissertation. Please note, without this, we are unable to process your application. Furthermore, as part of our ongoing research, we would be very grateful if you could let us know from what source you first heard about the course.
FUNDING
Please contact the Programme Leader for further details. Students are generally self-funded or funded by their employer.
Student profiles
Mental Health Service & Population Research MScHaving worked as an Assistant Psychologist for four years prior to the course, I chose the Institute of Psychiatry because it is highly reputed for research. The program gave me the opportunity to find out about psychiatric epidemiology and clinical research methodologies, providing a useful starting point to embark on robust translational research at professional level. I particularly enjoyed the qualitative methods and economic evaluation modules, which were taught by very friendly academic staff who provided a comprehensive overview.
My health psychology research project was a systematic review of studies investigating the psychological correlates of Multiple Sclerosis pain. The project aimed to support the development of a psychological invention to alleviate distress. My supervisors at Guy’s Campus were instrumental in helping me construct a successful PhD protocol to take this work further.
More generally, I was enthused by the number of opportunities at King’s when I actively sought them out, and links with the clinical world were never far away (ie South London and the Maudsley NHS Trust and King’s Health Partners). I also felt the sports and library facilities were great and the learning support staff were especially attentive. Remarkable, my inbox was regularly filled with weekly seminars and journal club invitations, which were a great opportunity to learn more about other areas of research. My taste for academic variety was also satisfied through the Associateship of King’s College: a well-organised traditional course dedicated to theology and philosophy – available at no extra cost.
One major draw for me was the competition for student bursaries for my course, as I was unemployed at the time. I was fortunate to receive a reduction in fees and two further scholarships for Summer School modules. I am very excited to start my PhD in October and am pleased to extend what has been an engaging and interesting year of study. My advice to MSc postgraduate applicants is to use your time effectively to meet a number of clinicians or researchers, and to mutually negotiate your project in accordance with your interests and occupational goals. This may involve doing extra work on top of the course, but remember in most cases it is certainly worth the effort.
Mental Health Service & Population Research MSc
The benefits of studying at one of the world's leading research centres for psychiatry, psychology and neuroscience were evident from the first day of term. Being taught directly by some of the world's experts in their fields, who are actively conducting research, was inspiring. The facilities and opportunities at the Institute, from the impressive library, series of seminars, presentations and workshops reflect the attention to detail given by the Institute in creating a thriving working and learning environment.
Mental Health Service & Population Research MSc
My first degree was in Neuroscience and after I graduated I worked as a Research Assistant at a university in the US. As part of the field work I was undertaking for a randomized control trial, I was exposed to behavioural sciences and found myself drawn to the idea of working in an area which brought together both biological and behavioural aspects. I discovered that there was still a bit of a gap in research in this area and decided that this was something I wanted to pursue. The MHSPR programme seemed to fit my interests perfectly and the specialist nature of the course was really appealing.
I love the fact that first-authors are brought in to teach certain topics. Hearing first hand about the workings of a project gives you a much better understanding of what goes into large scale research projects, being able to ask the authors questions shows you the human side of a research project and helps to bring research to life. I’m also really looking forward to next semester, when I’ll be assigned to an ongoing clinical study so will get to put my learning so far into practice.
When I graduate I plan to apply to Medical School, possibly in the UK, as I’d like to move into liaison psychiatry. This is a field which brings together physical and mental health, both in biological and behavioural terms so should be an ideal fit for me.